Household favourites…indoor succulents

You often see them populating garden shops in all shapes and colours. In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy and enlarged. Their features are such to retain water in dry climates or dried soil conditions.
There are over 200 varieties of succulents to choose from. These plants are becoming household favourites due to their easy care and maintenance. They are also becoming popular in weddings as a part of the décor or even the bride’s bouquet. There are succulents suited to both indoors and outdoors. Here is a list of the top five succulents most suited to indoors that are easy to care for:
Flaming Katy (kalanchoe blossfeldiana) – This kalanchoe is extremely sensitive to the low temperatures which is why it is best suited for indoors. The flaming Katy grows best in clay pots that have holes at the bottom for drainage. They prefer well-lit areas and will produce more buds and flowers when given 8 to 10 hours of sun a day. It looks great as a table centerpiece or a desk plant.
Jade Plant (crassula ovata) – The jade plant is like a bonsai plant in the way that it grows and is maintained. It has a thick trunk with branches that jut out like a miniature tree. This succulent has thick, shiny, dark green leaves that grow into an oval shape. Some varieties of the jade plant develop a red colour at the tip of the leaf. Once the plant matures and if the conditions are right, the jade plant can develop beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom in the shape of a star.
Aloe Vera (aloe vera)- No stranger to the Caribbean region, Aloe vera is a variety of houseplant that is most known for its medical benefits. This succulent can be found in ointments for burns, skin lotion, drinks, and cosmetics. It can also be used for decorative purposes as an indoor plant.
Crown of Thorns (euphorbia milii)- The Crown of thorns is a great houseplant because it adjusts well to dry indoor environments and room temperatures. For the best care and results, place this succulent near a window where it can get about three to four hours of sunlight a day. The Crown of thorns is very lenient when it comes to missed watering, but make sure to only water the plant when its soil is completely dry.
Burro’s Tail (sedum morganianum)- Also known as the Donkey tail plant, this succulent is one of the easiest plants to propagate and care for, which makes it a popular houseplant. This species happens to be a cactus and although all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. This succulent grows best indoors, placed in a well-drained container, where its long stems can drape down off the edges of the pot.

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